1990 Dodge Spirit Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1990 Dodge Spirit, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags1519.5%
- Transmission1316.9%
- Electrical1316.9%
- Engine1013.0%
- Suspension67.8%
- Powertrain (other)56.5%
- Visibility33.9%
- Interior & seats22.6%
- Driver assistance22.6%
- Brakes22.6%
- Seat belts11.3%
- Steering11.3%
- Heating & air conditioning11.3%
- Tires & wheels11.3%
- Exterior lighting11.3%
- Fuel system11.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT REASON OR WARNING, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. HAD NOT CONTACTED A DEALER YET. CONSUMER REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK *YD
WHILE DRIVING HIT AN ISLAND ,AND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET DIED IN CENTER, AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER FEELS AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED.*AK
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT INTO LIMP MODE, SHIFTING DOWN FROM 4TH GEAR INTO 2ND GEAR DANGEROUSLY SLOWING THE CAR FROM 60 MPH TO 35 MPH, THERE WAS NO FOREWARNING, TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES WITH A CHRYSLER REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. *JB
3RD TRANSMISSION; 1ST REPLACED AT 115K MILES,2ND AT 117K,3RD AT 113K,2ND & 3RD ARE CHRYSLER REMANF TRANSMISSION. TRANS WENT INTO LIMP MODE AT 60MPH, DANGEROUS LOST OF SPEED ON HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC.*AK
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR WAS REPAIRED BY SELLER DUE TO MELTED WIRES, SELLER CLAIMED I BYPASSED FUSEABLE LINK IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHICH I DON'T KNOW THE FIRST THING ABOUT CAR ELECT. COMPONENTS. MR. ROBERT'S MECHANIC REWIRED SYSTEM & REPLACED FUEL PUMP IN TANK 1 MONTH EARLIER FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONLY.AFTER FIRE I TOOK NUMEROUS PICTURES OF ENGINE & WIRING THAT HIS MECHANIC HAD DONE REWIRING TO. THERE WAS NUMEROUS WIRES CONNECTED TO POSITIVE TERMINAL THAT WERE NOT THERE PREVIOUSLY,THEREWAS A LOUD BANG & THERE WERE FLAMES EXTRUDING FROM UNDER THE HOOD , AFTER FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED VINELAND F.D. ASKED WHAT WERE ALL THE WIRES THERE FOR. I TOLD THEM THAT MR. ROBERT'S AUTO MECHANIC HAD REWIRED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM &REPLACED, THEY TOLD ME I SHOULD CONTACT OUR INSURANCE COMPANCY &HAVE THEM INVESTIGATE THE MATTER. THE V.F.D. STATED THAT IT MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO ELECT. & OR FUEL MALFUNCTION. I STILL OWE OVER $2500.00 ON THIS VEHICLE & THE INSURANCE CO. HAS TOTALLED THIS CAR AT 2500.00 . I BELEIVE THIS PROBLEM WAS INCURRED BY THE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THIS CAR BY THE SELLER & OR THE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY SELLER. MY WIFE WAS NOT INJURED PHYSICALLY BUT MENTALLY DUE TO THE FACT SHE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT . ANY SUGGESTION'S OR HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED, I AM 1 PERSON TRYING TO SUPPORT A FAMILY OF 5 & DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD CONTINUE TO PAY FOR A CAR I NO LONGER POSSESS OR CAN DRIVE. DO I HAVE ANY RIGHT'S?
WHEN AIR CONDITION IS ON HIGH THE STEERING COLUMN GOT HOT AND BURNED THE WIRE THAT INDICATES NO BRAKES. ALSO IT HAS MELTED THE COVER BELOW THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PREVIOUSLY OWNED AN 89 MODEL OF THIS CAR AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW RECALL STATUS. NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED IN SUMMARY. *AK
WE GOT THE CAR FROM MY MOTHER WHO IN TURN BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT.WHEN WE GOT IT THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING RIGHT AWAY AND ONE OF THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN.ONE DAY THE OTHER WINDOW WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN ANYMORE.A COUPLE DAYS LATER THE STEREO AND SPEAKERS QUITE WORKING.THE CAR BURNS OIL.IT WAS BROUGHT TO A SHOP,THEY SAID IT WAS THE GASKET COVERS,WHICH WOULD COST OVER$600.00. *AK
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE WAS A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM REAR. ROD IN AXLE BROKE. CONSUMER FEELS THAT WHEEL MAY COME OFF. *AK THE WELD BROKE AT THE SPINDLE IN THE REAR AXLE. THE MECHANIC HAS FIXED. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR MONIES PAID TOWARDS REPIARS. CONSUMER FEELS AN AXLE PROBLEM SHOULD NOT OCCUR WITHIN 68000 MILES. *JG
PART OF THE SUSPENSION KNOWN AS THE TRAILING ARM IS BROKEN, ORDERED PART SINCE AUGUST OF 96. CHRYSLER/DODGE CAN'T GIVE ANY IDEA ON SHIPMENT. DODGE STATED ON THE PHONE THAT THIS IS A NATIONAL PROBLEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR AXLE FAILURE. *AK
REAR AXLE; RIGHT SIDE BEAD WELDED TO AXLE AND LEFT SIDE TACT WELDED. WHILE DRIVING LEFT SIDE BROKE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE GOT THE CAR FROM MY MOTHER WHO IN TURN BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT.WHEN WE GOT IT THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING RIGHT AWAY AND ONE OF THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN.ONE DAY THE OTHER WINDOW WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN ANYMORE.A COUPLE DAYS LATER THE STEREO AND SPEAKERS QUITE WORKING.THE CAR BURNS OIL.IT WAS BROUGHT TO A SHOP,THEY SAID IT WAS THE GASKET COVERS,WHICH WOULD COST OVER$600.00. *AK
IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAILING AGAIN AFTER BEING REPLACED 3-4 YEARS AGO. ALSO, WIRING HARNESS WAS FAULTY, CAUSING HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR SWITCH NOT TO OPERATE/ AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON CONTINUOUSLY ON THE DASHBOARD/,BRAKE PADS FELL OFF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WITHOUT ANY WARNING/ GEAR SELECTOR FAILED, DID NOT SHOW THE CORRECT GEAR, AND REARVIEW MIRROR FELL OFF. PARTS FOR WIRING HARNESS PURCHASED AT DEALER. *AK *ML
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A REAREND COLLISION AND THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BACK BROKE TO THE RECLINING POSTION, CAUSING INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANT. *AK
DRIVER'S RECLINING SEAT BROKE; FELL BACKWARDS WITH OCCUPANT BUCKLED UP. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE GOT THE CAR FROM MY MOTHER WHO IN TURN BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT.WHEN WE GOT IT THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING RIGHT AWAY AND ONE OF THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN.ONE DAY THE OTHER WINDOW WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN ANYMORE.A COUPLE DAYS LATER THE STEREO AND SPEAKERS QUITE WORKING.THE CAR BURNS OIL.IT WAS BROUGHT TO A SHOP,THEY SAID IT WAS THE GASKET COVERS,WHICH WOULD COST OVER$600.00. *AK
CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKES. (1ST VEHICLE ON 480806/479617). *AW
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAILING AGAIN AFTER BEING REPLACED 3-4 YEARS AGO. ALSO, WIRING HARNESS WAS FAULTY, CAUSING HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR SWITCH NOT TO OPERATE/ AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON CONTINUOUSLY ON THE DASHBOARD/,BRAKE PADS FELL OFF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WITHOUT ANY WARNING/ GEAR SELECTOR FAILED, DID NOT SHOW THE CORRECT GEAR, AND REARVIEW MIRROR FELL OFF. PARTS FOR WIRING HARNESS PURCHASED AT DEALER. *AK *ML
FRONT CALIPERS STICK, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR ON BRAKE PADS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELT BUCKLES ARE TOO LONG. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING COLUMN OVERHEATS TO THE POINT OF MELTING PLASTIC. *SD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR CONDITIONER BELT FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TREAD SEPERATION FROM BODY, NO DEFLATION, HAPPENED ON 2 TIRES. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 205/65R15 )
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALTERNATOR FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR RUPTURED INTERNALLY SPEWING GASOLINE ONTO EXHAUST SYSTEM AND OTHER COMPONENTS, GASOLINE POURED OUT OF EXHAUST.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .